JP2007238767A - Lubricant composition, retractable shaft, and steering device using the shaft - Google Patents

Lubricant composition, retractable shaft, and steering device using the shaft Download PDF

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JP2007238767A
JP2007238767A JP2006063178A JP2006063178A JP2007238767A JP 2007238767 A JP2007238767 A JP 2007238767A JP 2006063178 A JP2006063178 A JP 2006063178A JP 2006063178 A JP2006063178 A JP 2006063178A JP 2007238767 A JP2007238767 A JP 2007238767A
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shaft
steering
lubricant composition
telescopic
thickener
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JP5182541B2 (en
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Fumiaki Kasahara
文明 笠原
Tomoji Sumiya
智司 角谷
Kazuto Minagawa
和人 皆川
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JTEKT Corp
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JTEKT Corp
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Priority to EP07004719.6A priority patent/EP1840193B1/en
Priority to US11/715,507 priority patent/US7741256B2/en
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    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10MLUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M169/00Lubricating compositions characterised by containing as components a mixture of at least two types of ingredient selected from base-materials, thickeners or additives, covered by the preceding groups, each of these compounds being essential
    • C10M169/02Mixtures of base-materials and thickeners
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10MLUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M119/00Lubricating compositions characterised by the thickener being a macromolecular compound
    • C10M119/22Lubricating compositions characterised by the thickener being a macromolecular compound containing halogen
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16DCOUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D3/00Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive
    • F16D3/02Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive adapted to specific functions
    • F16D3/06Yielding couplings, i.e. with means permitting movement between the connected parts during the drive adapted to specific functions specially adapted to allow axial displacement
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10MLUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M2205/00Organic macromolecular hydrocarbon compounds or fractions, whether or not modified by oxidation as ingredients in lubricant compositions
    • C10M2205/02Organic macromolecular hydrocarbon compounds or fractions, whether or not modified by oxidation as ingredients in lubricant compositions containing acyclic monomers
    • C10M2205/028Organic macromolecular hydrocarbon compounds or fractions, whether or not modified by oxidation as ingredients in lubricant compositions containing acyclic monomers containing aliphatic monomers having more than four carbon atoms
    • C10M2205/0285Organic macromolecular hydrocarbon compounds or fractions, whether or not modified by oxidation as ingredients in lubricant compositions containing acyclic monomers containing aliphatic monomers having more than four carbon atoms used as base material
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10MLUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M2213/00Organic macromolecular compounds containing halogen as ingredients in lubricant compositions
    • C10M2213/06Perfluoro polymers
    • C10M2213/062Polytetrafluoroethylene [PTFE]
    • C10M2213/0626Polytetrafluoroethylene [PTFE] used as thickening agents
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10NINDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS C10M RELATING TO LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS
    • C10N2020/00Specified physical or chemical properties or characteristics, i.e. function, of component of lubricating compositions
    • C10N2020/01Physico-chemical properties
    • C10N2020/02Viscosity; Viscosity index
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10NINDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS C10M RELATING TO LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS
    • C10N2040/00Specified use or application for which the lubricating composition is intended
    • C10N2040/14Electric or magnetic purposes
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10NINDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS C10M RELATING TO LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS
    • C10N2050/00Form in which the lubricant is applied to the material being lubricated
    • C10N2050/10Semi-solids; greasy
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16DCOUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
    • F16D2300/00Special features for couplings or clutches
    • F16D2300/06Lubrication details not provided for in group F16D13/74

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Lubricants (AREA)
  • Steering Controls (AREA)
  • Transmission Devices (AREA)
  • Power Steering Mechanism (AREA)

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lubricant composition preventing occurrence of slip stick and keeping always good lubrication performance when used for lubrication of a retractable shaft and loaded with high bearing pressure, to provide a retractable shaft having a pair of shaft elements lubricated therebetween with the lubricant composition, and to provide a steering device using the retractable shaft as an intermediate shaft. <P>SOLUTION: The lubricant composition comprises a base oil having 1,500-13,000 mm<SP>2</SP>/s (40°C) kinematic viscosity and polytetrafluoroethylene as a thickener. The retractable shaft 5 is lubricated between a pair of shaft elements 51 and 52 with the lubricant composition. The steering device 1 is inserted the retractable shaft between a steering shaft 3 and a rack and pinion mechanism A as the intermediate shaft. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は、軸方向に伸縮可能で、かつ軸を中心とする回転方向に一体回転可能に結合される一対の軸部材を備える伸縮自在シャフトの、上記両軸部材間を潤滑するのに適した潤滑剤組成物と、上記伸縮自在シャフトと、当該伸縮自在シャフトを組み込んだステアリング装置とに関するものである。   INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is suitable for lubricating between the two shaft members of a telescopic shaft that includes a pair of shaft members that are extendable in the axial direction and coupled so as to be integrally rotatable in a rotation direction around the shaft. The present invention relates to a lubricant composition, the telescopic shaft, and a steering device incorporating the telescopic shaft.

自動車用のパワーステアリング装置(EPS:Electric Power Steering System)として、コラムに設けた電動モータの回転力を利用するコラム式EPSがある。コラム式EPSにおいては、操舵部材としてのステアリングホイールに連結されたステアリングシャフトと、ラックアンドピニオン機構等の舵取機構とを接続するための中間軸(インターミディエイトシャフト)として、軸方向に伸縮可能で、かつ軸を中心とする回転方向に一体回転可能に結合される一対の軸部材を備える伸縮自在シャフトが普及している。   As a power steering apparatus (EPS) for automobiles, there is a column type EPS that uses the rotational force of an electric motor provided in a column. In column-type EPS, the shaft can be expanded and contracted in the axial direction as an intermediate shaft for connecting a steering shaft connected to a steering wheel as a steering member and a steering mechanism such as a rack and pinion mechanism. In addition, a telescopic shaft including a pair of shaft members that are coupled so as to be integrally rotatable in a rotation direction around the shaft has become widespread.

コラム式EPSにおいては、伸縮自在シャフトの伸縮機能を利用して、自動車への組み付け時に、ステアリングシャフトと舵取機構との間の距離を任意に変化させることで、組み付けの作業性を向上したり、自動車の走行時に、ステアリングシャフトと舵取機構との相対変位を吸収したりすることが行われる。
伸縮自在シャフトの結合構造としては、一般に、スプラインもしくはセレーションが採用される。例えば、一対の軸部材のうち、一方の軸部材(内軸部材)の端部に雄スプライン(エクスターナルスプライン)部を設けると共に、他方の軸部材(外軸部材)の端部に、上記雄スプライン部が挿入される筒状の雌スプライン(インターナルスプライン)部を形成し、雄スプライン部を雌スプライン部に挿入して、両軸部材を、軸方向に伸縮可能で、かつ軸を中心とする回転方向に一体回転可能に結合させて、伸縮自在シャフトが構成される。
In column type EPS, using the telescopic function of the telescopic shaft, the assembly workability can be improved by arbitrarily changing the distance between the steering shaft and the steering mechanism when assembling to the automobile. When the automobile travels, the relative displacement between the steering shaft and the steering mechanism is absorbed.
In general, a spline or a serration is employed as the coupling structure of the telescopic shaft. For example, of the pair of shaft members, a male spline (external spline) portion is provided at an end portion of one shaft member (inner shaft member), and the male spline is disposed at an end portion of the other shaft member (outer shaft member). A cylindrical female spline (internal spline) part is formed, the male spline part is inserted into the female spline part, and both shaft members can be expanded and contracted in the axial direction and centered on the axis A telescopic shaft is configured by being coupled to be rotatable in the rotation direction.

この場合、両スプライン部間にクリアランスがなければ、雌スプライン部に雄スプライン部を挿入して伸縮自在シャフトを組み立てることができない。しかし、クリアランスを設けると、両軸部材が径方向や周方向に相対変位することでラトル(rattle、ガタツキ)音を生じて、運転者に不快感を与える原因となる(特許文献1参照)。
特開2001−50293号公報(第0002欄〜第0005欄)
In this case, if there is no clearance between both the spline parts, the male spline part cannot be inserted into the female spline part to assemble the telescopic shaft. However, when the clearance is provided, the two shaft members are displaced relative to each other in the radial direction and the circumferential direction, thereby generating a rattle sound, which causes discomfort to the driver (see Patent Document 1).
JP 2001-50293 A (columns 0002 to 0005)

そこで、両スプライン部のうち少なくとも一方の表面に樹脂コーティングを施して、クリアランスを詰めると共に、グリース等の潤滑剤組成物で潤滑することが行われる。しかし、近時、コラム式EPSの、大排気量車への用途拡大に伴って、操舵時に、ステアリングコラムに加わる負荷(捩り剛性)が増大する傾向にあることから、両スプライン部間には、これまでよりも高い面圧が加わることになり、その潤滑に通常のグリースを使用したのでは、油膜切れによるスティックスリップが発生し、特にステアリングホイールを戻す際にスリップ音を生じて、運転者に不快感を与えるという新たな問題を生じる。   Therefore, a resin coating is applied to at least one surface of both the spline portions to reduce the clearance and lubricate with a lubricant composition such as grease. However, recently, as the use of column-type EPS for large displacement vehicles has expanded, the load (torsional rigidity) applied to the steering column during steering tends to increase. If normal grease is used for lubrication, stick slip due to oil film breakage will occur, especially when returning the steering wheel. This creates a new problem of discomfort.

本発明の目的は、伸縮自在シャフトの潤滑に使用して、高い面圧が加わった際に、スリップスティックが発生するのを防止し、常に良好な潤滑性能を維持することができる潤滑剤組成物と、一対の軸部材間が、上記潤滑剤組成物を用いて潤滑される伸縮自在シャフトと、この伸縮自在シャフトを中間軸として用いたステアリング装置とを提供することにある。   An object of the present invention is to use a lubricant composition for lubrication of a telescopic shaft to prevent the occurrence of a slip stick when a high surface pressure is applied, and to always maintain good lubrication performance. Another object of the present invention is to provide a telescopic shaft that is lubricated between the pair of shaft members using the lubricant composition, and a steering device that uses the telescopic shaft as an intermediate shaft.

本発明は、軸方向に伸縮可能で、かつ軸を中心とする回転方向に一体回転可能に結合される一対の軸部材を備える伸縮自在シャフトの、両軸部材間を潤滑するための潤滑剤組成物であって、動粘度が1500〜13000mm2/s(40℃)である基油と、増ちょう剤としてのポリテトラフルオロエチレンとを含有することを特徴とするものである。ポリテトラフルオロエチレンの含有割合は、20〜50重量%であるのが好ましい。 The present invention relates to a lubricant composition for lubricating a space between both shaft members of a telescopic shaft including a pair of shaft members that are extendable in the axial direction and coupled so as to be integrally rotatable in a rotation direction around the shaft. A base oil having a kinematic viscosity of 1500 to 13000 mm 2 / s (40 ° C.) and polytetrafluoroethylene as a thickener. The content ratio of polytetrafluoroethylene is preferably 20 to 50% by weight.

また、本発明の伸縮自在シャフトは、軸方向に伸縮可能で、かつ軸を中心とする回転方向に一体回転可能に結合される一対の軸部材を備えると共に、両軸部材間が、上記本発明の潤滑剤組成物で潤滑されることを特徴とするものである。
さらに、本発明は、操舵部材と、操舵部材に連結されるステアリングシャフトと、ステアリングシャフトに自在継手を介して連結される中間軸と、中間軸に自在継手を介して連結されるピニオン軸を含み、ピニオン軸の回転をラックバーの直線運動に変換して、操向輪を転舵させるラックアンドピニオン機構とを有するステアリング装置であって、中間軸として、上記本発明の伸縮自在シャフトを組み込むことを特徴とするものである。
The telescopic shaft of the present invention includes a pair of shaft members that are extendable in the axial direction and coupled so as to be integrally rotatable in a rotation direction centered on the shaft, and between the two shaft members is the above-described present invention. It is characterized by being lubricated with the lubricant composition.
The present invention further includes a steering member, a steering shaft connected to the steering member, an intermediate shaft connected to the steering shaft via a universal joint, and a pinion shaft connected to the intermediate shaft via a universal joint. A steering device having a rack and pinion mechanism for converting the rotation of the pinion shaft into a linear motion of the rack bar to steer the steered wheel, and incorporating the telescopic shaft of the present invention as an intermediate shaft It is characterized by.

本発明によれば、40℃における基油の動粘度を1500mm2/s以上に限定すると共に、増ちょう剤として、固体潤滑剤としても機能するポリテトラフルオロエチレン(PTFE)を使用しているため、潤滑剤組成物を、例えば、伸縮自在シャフトの潤滑に使用して、高い面圧が加わった際に、油膜切れを生じて、スティックスリップが発生するのを防止することができる。また、基油の動粘度を13000mm2/s以下に限定しているため、例えば、伸縮自在シャフトをコラム式EPSに組み込み、伸縮させて、ステアリングシャフトと舵取機構との間の距離を変化させながら、自動車に組み付ける際などに、スライド荷重が高くなりすぎるのを防止して、その作業性を向上することもできる。 According to the present invention, since the kinematic viscosity of the base oil at 40 ° C. is limited to 1500 mm 2 / s or more, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) that also functions as a solid lubricant is used as a thickener. The lubricant composition can be used, for example, to lubricate a telescopic shaft, and when high surface pressure is applied, the oil film is cut and stick slip can be prevented from occurring. In addition, since the kinematic viscosity of the base oil is limited to 13000 mm 2 / s or less, for example, a telescopic shaft is incorporated into a column type EPS and expanded and contracted to change the distance between the steering shaft and the steering mechanism. However, it is possible to prevent the slide load from becoming too high when assembling the vehicle, and to improve the workability.

(潤滑剤組成物)
本発明の潤滑剤組成物は、動粘度が1500〜13000mm2/s(40℃)である基油と、増ちょう剤としてのPTFEとを含有することを特徴とするものである。本発明において、40℃における基油の動粘度が1500〜13000mm2/sに限定されるのは、下記の理由による。
(Lubricant composition)
The lubricant composition of the present invention comprises a base oil having a kinematic viscosity of 1500 to 13000 mm 2 / s (40 ° C.) and PTFE as a thickener. In the present invention, the kinematic viscosity of the base oil at 40 ° C. is limited to 1500 to 13000 mm 2 / s for the following reason.

すなわち、40℃における基油の動粘度が1500mm2/s未満では、潤滑剤組成物の粘度が低くなりすぎるため、たとえ、増ちょう剤としてPTFEを含有していたとしても、例えば、潤滑剤組成物を伸縮自在シャフトの潤滑に使用して、高い面圧が加わった際に、油膜切れによるスティックスリップが発生するのを防止することができなくなってしまう。一方、40℃における基油の動粘度が13000mm2/sを超える場合には、潤滑剤組成物の粘度が高くなりすぎるため、例えば、伸縮自在シャフトを中間軸としてコラム式EPSに組み込み、伸縮させて、ステアリングシャフトと舵取機構との間の距離を変化させながら、自動車に組み付ける際などに、スライド荷重が高くなりすぎて、その作業性が低下してしまう。そして、最悪の場合には、人力で、上記組み付けの作業を行えなくなるという問題がある。 That is, when the kinematic viscosity of the base oil at 40 ° C. is less than 1500 mm 2 / s, the viscosity of the lubricant composition becomes too low. For example, even if PTFE is contained as a thickener, for example, the lubricant composition When an object is used for lubrication of a telescopic shaft and a high surface pressure is applied, it becomes impossible to prevent the occurrence of stick slip due to oil film breakage. On the other hand, when the kinematic viscosity of the base oil at 40 ° C. exceeds 13000 mm 2 / s, the viscosity of the lubricant composition becomes too high. As a result, the slide load becomes too high when assembling the vehicle while changing the distance between the steering shaft and the steering mechanism, and the workability thereof is lowered. In the worst case, there is a problem that the above assembling work cannot be performed manually.

これに対し、基油の動粘度を1500〜13000mm2/sとすれば、増ちょう剤として、前記のように固体潤滑剤としても機能するPTFEを使用したこととの相乗効果によって、油膜切れによるスティックスリップの発生を防止できる上、例えば、伸縮自在シャフトを中間軸としてコラム式EPSに組み込み、伸縮させて、ステアリングシャフトと舵取機構との間の距離を変化させながら、自動車に組み付ける際の作業性を向上することができる。なお、油膜切れによるスティックスリップの発生をより一層、確実に防止すると共に、コラム式EPSの組み付けの作業性等をさらに向上することを考慮すると、基油の動粘度は、上記の範囲内でも特に、2000〜7500mm2/sであるのが好ましい。 On the other hand, if the kinematic viscosity of the base oil is 1500 to 13000 mm 2 / s, the synergistic effect with the use of PTFE that also functions as a solid lubricant as described above is due to oil film breakage. In addition to preventing the occurrence of stick-slip, for example, work when assembling in a car while incorporating a telescopic shaft as an intermediate shaft into a column-type EPS and expanding and contracting to change the distance between the steering shaft and the steering mechanism Can be improved. In addition, in consideration of further reliably preventing the occurrence of stick-slip due to oil film breakage and further improving the workability of assembling the column type EPS, the kinematic viscosity of the base oil is particularly within the above range. 2000 to 7500 mm 2 / s.

基油としては、合成炭化水素油、シリコーン油、フッ素油、エステル油、エーテル油等の合成油や鉱油等の、従来公知の種々の基油のうち、動粘度が上記の範囲に入る各種の基油を使用することができるが、特に、雄スプライン部と雌スプライン部のうち少なくとも一方の表面に樹脂コーティングを施す場合には、当該樹脂コーティングに対する攻撃性の低い合成炭化水素油が好ましく、特にポリαオレフィン油が好適に使用される。   As the base oil, among various conventionally known base oils such as synthetic hydrocarbon oils, silicone oils, fluorine oils, ester oils, ether oils and mineral oils, various kinematic viscosities fall within the above range. Although a base oil can be used, in particular, when a resin coating is applied to at least one surface of the male spline part and the female spline part, a synthetic hydrocarbon oil having a low aggressiveness against the resin coating is preferable, Polyalphaolefin oil is preferably used.

また、増ちょう剤としては、前記のようにPTFEが使用される。例えば、金属石けん系増ちょう剤等の、PTFE以外の増ちょう剤を使用した場合には、基油の粘度を前記の範囲内としても、油膜切れによるスティックスリップの発生を防止する効果は得られない。これは、PTFE以外の増ちょう剤には、固体潤滑剤としての機能がないためである。ただし、当該PTFEを増ちょう剤として配合したことによる前記の効果を阻害しない範囲で、つまり、所定の粘度特性(ちょう度等)を有する潤滑剤組成物を得るために、増ちょう剤の総量中に占める、PTFEの含有割合が少なくなりすぎて、油膜切れによるスティックスリップの発生を防止する効果が得られなくならない範囲で、他の増ちょう剤を、PTFEと併用することも可能である。   As the thickener, PTFE is used as described above. For example, when a thickener other than PTFE, such as a metal soap thickener, is used, the effect of preventing stick slip due to oil film breakage can be obtained even if the viscosity of the base oil is within the above range. Absent. This is because a thickener other than PTFE does not have a function as a solid lubricant. However, in the total amount of the thickener, in order to obtain a lubricant composition having a predetermined viscosity characteristic (consistency, etc.) in a range that does not impair the above-mentioned effect due to the blending of the PTFE as a thickener. It is also possible to use other thickeners together with PTFE in such a range that the content ratio of PTFE is too small and the effect of preventing the occurrence of stick-slip due to oil film breakage cannot be obtained.

PTFEとしては、ごく微小な球状のPTFE微粒子を任意の有機溶媒中に分散させた、増ちょう剤として使用可能な種々のグレードのPTFEが、いずれも使用可能である。増ちょう剤としてのPTFEの含有割合は、前記のように、潤滑剤組成物の総量中の、20〜50重量%であるのが好ましく、45〜50重量%であるのがさらに好ましい。PTFEの含有割合がこの範囲未満では、当該PTFEを配合したことによる、油膜切れによるスティックスリップの発生を防止する効果が十分に得られないおそれがあり、逆に、50重量%を超える場合には、例えば、伸縮自在シャフトを中間軸としてコラム式EPSに組み込み、伸縮させて、ステアリングシャフトと舵取機構との間の距離を変化させながら、自動車に組み付ける際などに、スライド荷重が高くなりすぎて、その作業性が低下するおそれがある。   As PTFE, any of various grades of PTFE that can be used as a thickener in which very fine spherical PTFE fine particles are dispersed in an arbitrary organic solvent can be used. As described above, the content of PTFE as a thickener is preferably 20 to 50% by weight, more preferably 45 to 50% by weight, based on the total amount of the lubricant composition. If the PTFE content is less than this range, there is a possibility that the effect of preventing the occurrence of stick slip due to oil film breakage due to blending of the PTFE may not be sufficiently obtained. Conversely, when the content exceeds 50% by weight. For example, when a telescopic shaft is incorporated into a column type EPS as an intermediate shaft and expanded and contracted to change the distance between the steering shaft and the steering mechanism, the slide load becomes too high. The workability may be reduced.

本発明の潤滑剤組成物には、さらに必要に応じて、二硫化モリブデン、グラファイト等の固体潤滑剤や、リン系、硫黄系等の極圧添加剤、トリブチルフェノール、メチルフェノール等の酸化防止剤、防錆剤、金属不活性剤、粘度指数向上剤、油性剤等を添加してもよい。潤滑剤組成物のちょう度は、NLGI(National Lubricating Grease Institute)番号で表してNo.2〜No.00、特にNo.2〜No.1であるのが好ましい。   The lubricant composition of the present invention further includes solid lubricants such as molybdenum disulfide and graphite, extreme pressure additives such as phosphorus-based and sulfur-based, antioxidants such as tributylphenol and methylphenol, if necessary. A rust inhibitor, a metal deactivator, a viscosity index improver, an oily agent, and the like may be added. The consistency of the lubricant composition is represented by NLGI (National Lubricating Grease Institute) number. 2-No. 00, especially no. 2-No. 1 is preferred.

(伸縮自在シャフト)
本発明の伸縮自在シャフトは、軸方向に伸縮可能で、かつ軸を中心とする回転方向に一体回転可能に結合される一対の軸部材を備えると共に、両軸部材間が、上記本発明の潤滑剤組成物で潤滑されることを特徴とするものである。伸縮自在シャフト自体としては、従来公知の種々の構造を有するものを採用することができる。
(Extensible shaft)
The telescopic shaft of the present invention includes a pair of shaft members that are extendable in the axial direction and coupled so as to be integrally rotatable in a rotation direction around the shaft, and between the two shaft members, the lubrication of the present invention is provided. It is characterized by being lubricated with an agent composition. As the telescopic shaft itself, those having various conventionally known structures can be employed.

図1は、本発明の、実施の形態の一例の伸縮自在シャフト5を構成する内軸部材51の、端部に設けた雄スプライン部51aを示す斜視図である。また、図2は、上記外軸部材51と共に伸縮自在シャフト5を構成する外軸部材52の、端部に設けた筒状の雌スプライン部52aの一部を切り欠いて示す斜視図である。
図1を参照して、内軸部材51の、外軸部材52と連結される端部の外周面には、当該外周面から径方向外方に向けて、多数のキー51bが、内軸部材51の軸方向と平行で、かつ周方向に等間隔に突設されて、雄スプライン部51aが構成されている。また、図2を参照して、外軸部材52は、内軸部材51と連結される端部52cが、雄スプライン部51が挿入される筒状に形成されていると共に、筒の内周面には、当該内周面から径方向外方に向けて、上記雄スプライン部51のキー51bと噛み合わされる多数のキー溝52bが、外軸部材52の軸方向と平行で、かつ周方向に等間隔に凹入されて、雌スプライン部52aが構成されている。
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a male spline portion 51a provided at an end of an inner shaft member 51 constituting an extendable shaft 5 of an example of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the outer shaft member 52 that constitutes the telescopic shaft 5 together with the outer shaft member 51, with a part of a cylindrical female spline portion 52a provided at the end cut away.
Referring to FIG. 1, a large number of keys 51 b are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the end portion of the inner shaft member 51 connected to the outer shaft member 52 from the outer peripheral surface outward in the radial direction. A male spline portion 51a is formed so as to protrude in parallel with the axial direction of 51 and at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Referring to FIG. 2, the outer shaft member 52 has an end 52c connected to the inner shaft member 51 formed in a cylindrical shape into which the male spline portion 51 is inserted, and an inner peripheral surface of the tube. A large number of key grooves 52b meshed with the key 51b of the male spline portion 51 from the inner peripheral surface outward in the radial direction are parallel to the axial direction of the outer shaft member 52 and in the circumferential direction. A female spline portion 52a is formed by being recessed at equal intervals.

そして、上記雄スプライン部51aを構成するキー51bを、雌スプライン部52aを構成するキー溝52bに噛み合わせながら、雄スプライン部51aを雌スプライン部52aに挿入することで、両軸部材51、52が、軸方向に伸縮可能で、かつ軸を中心とする回転方向に動力伝達可能に連結される。
雄スプライン部51aのキー51bと、雌スプライン部52aのキー溝52bとの噛み合い部には、従来同様に、クリアランスが設定される。また、クリアランスを詰めるために、雄スプライン部51aと雌スプライブ52aのうち、少なくとも一方の表面には、やはり、従来同様に、樹脂コーティングを施すのが好ましい。樹脂コーティングを形成する樹脂としては、例えば、ナイロン系樹脂、オレフィン系樹脂、フッ素系樹脂、ポリエステル系樹脂等の、耐油性を有する熱可塑性樹脂や、エポキシ樹脂、フェノール樹脂、熱硬化性ポリエステル系樹脂、熱硬化性アクリル系樹脂等の、熱硬化性樹脂が挙げられる。
Then, by inserting the male spline portion 51a into the female spline portion 52a while engaging the key 51b constituting the male spline portion 51a with the key groove 52b constituting the female spline portion 52a, both shaft members 51, 52 are inserted. However, it can be expanded and contracted in the axial direction, and is connected so as to be able to transmit power in the rotational direction around the axis.
A clearance is set in the meshing portion between the key 51b of the male spline portion 51a and the key groove 52b of the female spline portion 52a as in the prior art. Further, in order to reduce the clearance, it is preferable that at least one surface of the male spline portion 51a and the female spline 52a is coated with a resin as in the conventional case. Examples of the resin that forms the resin coating include oil-resistant thermoplastic resins such as nylon resins, olefin resins, fluorine resins, and polyester resins, epoxy resins, phenol resins, and thermosetting polyester resins. And thermosetting resins such as thermosetting acrylic resins.

このうち、ナイロン系樹脂としては、PA6、PA66、PA46、PA11、PA12等が挙げられる他、PPA(ポリフタルアミド)に代表される芳香族ポリアミドも使用可能である。オレフィン系樹脂としては、HDPE(高密度ポリエチレン)、UHDPE(超高密度ポリエチレン)等のPE(ポリエチレン)や、PP(ポリプロピレン)等が挙げられる。フッ素系樹脂としては、PTFE(ポリテトラフルオロエチレン)、PFA(テトラフルオロエチレン・パーフルオロアルキルビニルエーテル共重合体)、FEP(テトラフルオロエチレン・ヘキサフルオロプロピレン共重合体)、ETFE(テトラフルオロエチレン・エチレン共重合体)等が挙げられる。ポリエステル系樹脂としては、PET(ポリエチレンテレフタレート)、PBT(ポリブチレンテレフタレート)等が挙げられる。これらの樹脂には、PE(ポリエチレン)、PTFE(ポリテトラフルオロエチレン)、MoS2(二硫化モリブデン)等の固体潤滑剤や、炭酸カルシウム、タルク等の充てん材を添加してもよい。 Among these, examples of the nylon resin include PA6, PA66, PA46, PA11, PA12, and the like, and aromatic polyamides represented by PPA (polyphthalamide) can also be used. Examples of the olefin resin include PE (polyethylene) such as HDPE (high density polyethylene) and UHDPE (ultra high density polyethylene), and PP (polypropylene). Fluorocarbon resins include PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), PFA (tetrafluoroethylene / perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer), FEP (tetrafluoroethylene / hexafluoropropylene copolymer), ETFE (tetrafluoroethylene / ethylene). Copolymer) and the like. Examples of polyester resins include PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), and the like. To these resins, solid lubricants such as PE (polyethylene), PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), and MoS 2 (molybdenum disulfide), and fillers such as calcium carbonate and talc may be added.

そして、上記雄スプライン部51aのキー51bと、雌スプライン部52aのキー溝52bとの噛み合い部に、前記本発明の潤滑剤組成物を充てんして、当該噛み合い部を潤滑させることで、伸縮自在シャフト5が構成される。
かかる伸縮自在シャフト5は、噛み合い部に充てんした、本発明の潤滑剤組成物の機能によって、例えば、中間軸としてコラム式EPSに組み込み、伸縮させて、ステアリングシャフトと舵取機構との間の距離を変化させながら、自動車に組み付ける際などに、スライド荷重が高くなりすぎないため、上記作業の作業性を向上することができる。また、組み付け後、コラム式EPSの操舵時に、雄スプライン部51aのキー51bと、雌スプライン部52aのキー溝52bとの噛み合い部に高い面圧が加わっても、油膜切れによるスティックスリップが発生しないため、特に、ステアリングホイールを戻す際等にスリップ音を生じて、運転者に不快感を与えるのを防止することができる。なお、本発明の伸縮自在シャフトの構成は、上記のように、コラム式EPSの中間軸に、好適に適用できる他、同じコラム式EPSの、ステアリングシャフト等にも適用することができる。
Then, the engaging portion of the key 51b of the male spline portion 51a and the key groove 52b of the female spline portion 52a is filled with the lubricant composition of the present invention, and the engaging portion is lubricated, so that it can expand and contract. A shaft 5 is configured.
Such a telescopic shaft 5 is incorporated into a column type EPS as an intermediate shaft and expanded and contracted, for example, by the function of the lubricant composition of the present invention filled in the meshing portion, and the distance between the steering shaft and the steering mechanism Since the slide load does not become too high when assembling to the automobile while changing the above, the workability of the above work can be improved. Further, after the assembly, when the column type EPS is steered, even if a high surface pressure is applied to the engagement portion between the key 51b of the male spline portion 51a and the key groove 52b of the female spline portion 52a, stick slip due to oil film breakage does not occur. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the driver from feeling uncomfortable by generating a slip noise particularly when the steering wheel is returned. The configuration of the telescopic shaft of the present invention can be suitably applied to the intermediate shaft of the column type EPS as described above, and can also be applied to a steering shaft of the same column type EPS.

(ステアリング装置)
図3は、本発明のステアリング装置の、実施の形態の一例としてのコラム式EPS1の、概略構成図である。図3を参照して、コラム式EPS1は、操舵部材としてのステアリングホイール2が連結されるステアリングシャフト3と、このステアリングシャフト3に、自在継手4を介して連結される中間軸5と、中間軸5に自在継手6を介して連結されるピニオン軸7と、ピニオン軸7の端部近傍に設けられたピニオン歯7aに噛み合うラック歯8aを有して自動車の左右方向に延びる転舵軸としてのラックバー8とを有している。ピニオン軸7とラックバー8によって、舵取機構としてのラックアンドピニオン機構Aが構成されている。
(Steering device)
FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a column type EPS 1 as an example of the embodiment of the steering device of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, a column type EPS 1 includes a steering shaft 3 to which a steering wheel 2 as a steering member is connected, an intermediate shaft 5 connected to the steering shaft 3 via a universal joint 4, and an intermediate shaft. As a steered shaft that extends in the left-right direction of the automobile, has a pinion shaft 7 connected to 5 through a universal joint 6 and rack teeth 8a that mesh with pinion teeth 7a provided in the vicinity of the end of the pinion shaft 7. And a rack bar 8. The pinion shaft 7 and the rack bar 8 constitute a rack and pinion mechanism A as a steering mechanism.

ラックバー8は、車体に固定されるハウジング9内に、図示しない複数の軸受を介して、直線往復動自在に支持されている。また、ラックバー8の両端部は、ハウジング9の両側へ突出し、各端部にはそれぞれタイロッド10が結合されている。各タイロッド10は、対応するナックルアーム(図示せず)を介して対応する操向輪11に連結されている。ステアリングホイール2が操作されて、ステアリングシャフト3が回転されると、この回転が、ピニオン歯7aおよびラック歯8aによって、自動車の左右方向に沿うラックバー8の直線運動に変換されて、操向輪11が転舵される。   The rack bar 8 is supported in a linearly reciprocable manner in a housing 9 fixed to the vehicle body via a plurality of bearings (not shown). Further, both end portions of the rack bar 8 protrude to both sides of the housing 9, and tie rods 10 are coupled to the respective end portions. Each tie rod 10 is connected to a corresponding steering wheel 11 via a corresponding knuckle arm (not shown). When the steering wheel 2 is operated and the steering shaft 3 is rotated, this rotation is converted into a linear motion of the rack bar 8 along the left-right direction of the automobile by the pinion teeth 7a and the rack teeth 8a. 11 is steered.

ステアリングシャフト3は、ステアリングホイール2に連なる入力側のアッパーシャフト3aと、ピニオン軸7に連なる出力側のロアーシャフト3bとに分割されており、両シャフト3a、3bは、トーションバー12を介して同一の軸線上で相対回転可能に互いに連結されている。また、トーションバー12には、両シャフト3a、3b間の相対回転変位量から操舵トルクを検出するためのトルクセンサ13が設けられており、このトルクセンサ13のトルク検出結果が、ECU(Electric Control Unit:電子制御ユニット)14に与えられる。   The steering shaft 3 is divided into an input-side upper shaft 3 a that is continuous with the steering wheel 2 and an output-side lower shaft 3 b that is continuous with the pinion shaft 7, and both shafts 3 a and 3 b are the same via a torsion bar 12. Are connected to each other so as to be rotatable relative to each other. Further, the torsion bar 12 is provided with a torque sensor 13 for detecting a steering torque from a relative rotational displacement amount between the shafts 3a and 3b. The torque detection result of the torque sensor 13 is an ECU (Electric Control). Unit: Electronic control unit) 14.

ECU14では、トルク検出結果や、図示しない車速センサから与えられる車速検出結果等に基づいて、駆動回路15を介して操舵補助用の電動モータ16を駆動制御する。そして、電動モータ16の出力回転が、減速機17を介して減速されてピニオン軸7に伝達され、ラックバー8の直線運動に変換されて、操舵が補助される。減速機17は、電動モータ16により回転駆動される入力軸としてのウォーム軸(小歯車)18と、このウォーム軸18に噛み合うと共にステアリングシャフト3のロアーシャフト3bに一体回転可能に連結されるウォームホイール(大歯車)19とを備える。   The ECU 14 drives and controls the steering assist electric motor 16 via the drive circuit 15 based on a torque detection result, a vehicle speed detection result given from a vehicle speed sensor (not shown), and the like. The output rotation of the electric motor 16 is decelerated via the speed reducer 17 and transmitted to the pinion shaft 7 and converted into a linear motion of the rack bar 8 to assist steering. The speed reducer 17 is a worm shaft (small gear) 18 as an input shaft that is rotationally driven by the electric motor 16, and a worm wheel that meshes with the worm shaft 18 and is connected to the lower shaft 3 b of the steering shaft 3 so as to be integrally rotatable. (Large gear) 19.

上記各部のうち、中間軸5として、前記本発明の伸縮自在シャフトを組み込むことで、本発明のステアリング装置としてのコラム式EPS1が構成される。かかるコラム式EPSは、中間軸5としての伸縮自在シャフトの機能により、当該中間軸5を伸縮させて、ステアリングシャフト3と舵取機構との間の距離を変化させながら、自動車に組み付ける際などに、スライド荷重が高くなりすぎないため、上記作業の作業性を向上することができる。また、組み付け後、コラム式EPSの操舵時に、雄スプライン部51aのキー51bと、雌スプライン部52aのキー溝52bとの噛み合い部に高い面圧が加わっても、油膜切れによるスティックスリップが発生しないため、特に、ステアリングホイール2を戻す際等にスリップ音を生じて、運転者に不快感を与えるのを防止することができる。   By incorporating the telescopic shaft of the present invention as the intermediate shaft 5 among the above parts, a column type EPS 1 as a steering device of the present invention is configured. Such a column-type EPS is used when the intermediate shaft 5 is expanded and contracted by the function of the telescopic shaft as the intermediate shaft 5, and the distance between the steering shaft 3 and the steering mechanism is changed and assembled to the automobile. Since the slide load does not become too high, the workability of the above work can be improved. Further, after the assembly, when the column type EPS is steered, even if a high surface pressure is applied to the engaging portion between the key 51b of the male spline portion 51a and the key groove 52b of the female spline portion 52a, stick slip due to oil film breakage does not occur. Therefore, in particular, it is possible to prevent the driver from feeling uncomfortable by generating a slip sound when the steering wheel 2 is returned.

なお、本発明の構成は、以上で説明した例のものには限定されない。例えば、伸縮自在シャフトは、図1、図2に示した、雄スプライン部51aと雌スプライン部52aとの噛み合いによるものには限定されず、例えば、内軸部材の外周面、および外軸部材の内周面に、それぞれ軸方向に沿う転動溝を形成すると共に、この溝内に、複数のボールを転動自在に配設し、ボールを介して、両軸部材を軸方向に伸縮可能で、かつ、軸を中心とする回転方向に一体回転可能に結合させた、いわゆるボールスプライン式の構造を採用してもよい。   In addition, the structure of this invention is not limited to the thing of the example demonstrated above. For example, the telescopic shaft is not limited to the engagement of the male spline portion 51a and the female spline portion 52a shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and for example, the outer peripheral surface of the inner shaft member and the outer shaft member A rolling groove along the axial direction is formed on the inner peripheral surface, and a plurality of balls can be freely rolled in the groove, and both shaft members can be expanded and contracted in the axial direction via the balls. In addition, a so-called ball spline structure that is coupled so as to be integrally rotatable in the rotation direction about the shaft may be employed.

この場合にも、上記転動溝内に、本発明の潤滑材組成物を充てんして、転動溝とボールとの間を潤滑させることによって、油膜切れによる、この両者間でのスティックスリップの発生を防止できる上、例えば、伸縮自在シャフトを中間軸としてコラム式EPSに組み込み、伸縮させて、ステアリングシャフトと舵取機構との間の距離を変化させながら、自動車に組み付ける際の作業性を向上することができる。   Also in this case, the above-mentioned rolling groove is filled with the lubricant composition of the present invention and lubricated between the rolling groove and the ball, thereby causing stick-slip between the two due to oil film breakage. In addition to preventing the occurrence, for example, the telescopic shaft is incorporated into the column-type EPS as an intermediate shaft, and is expanded and contracted to improve the workability when assembling to an automobile while changing the distance between the steering shaft and the steering mechanism can do.

また、本発明の伸縮自在シャフトが中間軸として組み込まれるステアリング装置は、図3に示すコラム式EPS1には限定されず、他の方式のEPSや、操舵補助機能を有さない通常のステアリング装置であってもよい。その他、本発明の要旨を変更しない範囲で、種々の設計変更を施すことができる。   Further, the steering device in which the telescopic shaft of the present invention is incorporated as an intermediate shaft is not limited to the column type EPS 1 shown in FIG. 3, and other types of EPS and a normal steering device having no steering assist function. There may be. In addition, various design changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

実施例1〜5:
基油として、40℃における動粘度が1500mm2/s(実施例1)、2054mm2/s(実施例2)、5548mm2/s(実施例3)、7414mm2/s(実施例4)、または12500mm2/s(実施例5)であるポリαオレイン油をそれぞれ使用すると共に、増ちょう剤としてPTFEを使用し、この両成分を、PTFEの含有割合が45重量%となるように配合して、実施例1〜5の潤滑剤組成物を調製した。
Examples 1-5:
As a base oil, kinematic viscosity at 40 ° C. is 1500 mm 2 / s (Example 1), 2054mm 2 / s (Example 2), 5548mm 2 / s (Example 3), 7414mm 2 / s (Example 4), Alternatively, poly α-olein oil of 12500 mm 2 / s (Example 5) is used, and PTFE is used as a thickening agent. These two components are blended so that the PTFE content is 45% by weight. Thus, the lubricant compositions of Examples 1 to 5 were prepared.

比較例1、2:
基油として、40℃における動粘度が1000mm2/s(比較例1)、または13340mm2/s(比較例2)であるポリαオレイン油をそれぞれ使用すると共に、増ちょう剤としてPTFEを使用し、この両成分を、PTFEの含有割合が45重量%となるように配合して、実施例1〜5の潤滑剤組成物を調製した。
Comparative Examples 1 and 2:
A poly α-olein oil having a kinematic viscosity at 40 ° C. of 1000 mm 2 / s (Comparative Example 1) or 13340 mm 2 / s (Comparative Example 2) is used as a base oil, and PTFE is used as a thickener. These components were blended so that the PTFE content was 45% by weight, and the lubricant compositions of Examples 1 to 5 were prepared.

比較例3:
基油として、40℃における動粘度が3500mm2/sであるポリαオレイン油を使用すると共に、増ちょう剤としてシリカを使用し、この両成分を、シリカの含有割合が30重量%となるように配合して、比較例3の潤滑剤組成物を調製した。
比較例4:
基油として、40℃における動粘度が5000mm2/sであるポリαオレイン油を使用すると共に、増ちょう剤として、Li石けん系増ちょう剤を使用し、この両成分を、Li石けん系増ちょう剤の含有割合が10重量%となるように配合して、比較例4の潤滑剤組成物を調製した。
Comparative Example 3:
Poly α-olein oil having a kinematic viscosity at 40 ° C. of 3500 mm 2 / s is used as the base oil, and silica is used as the thickener. Both components are mixed so that the silica content is 30% by weight. The lubricant composition of Comparative Example 3 was prepared.
Comparative Example 4:
A poly α-olein oil having a kinematic viscosity at 40 ° C. of 5000 mm 2 / s is used as the base oil, and a Li soap thickener is used as the thickener. A lubricant composition of Comparative Example 4 was prepared by blending so that the content ratio of the agent was 10% by weight.

特性試験
図4は、上記各実施例、比較例で調製した潤滑剤組成物の特性を評価するために用いた試験装置の概略を示す図である。図4を参照して、試験装置は、伸縮自在シャフト5を構成する内軸部材51と外軸部材52とを、雄スプライン部51aと雌スプライン部52aとの噛み合い部に、各実施例、比較例で調製した潤滑剤組成物を充てんした状態で、互いに接続し、かつ、内軸部材51の、雄スプライン部51aを設けた側と反対側の端部51cを、トルク計20を介して、図中に実線の矢印で示す軸方向に往復動可能な駆動軸21に接続すると共に、外軸部材52を、駆動軸21の中心軸を中心とする回転方向に回転可能なトルク負荷部材(図示せず)に接続したものである。
Characteristic Test FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of a test apparatus used for evaluating the characteristics of the lubricant compositions prepared in the above Examples and Comparative Examples. Referring to FIG. 4, the test apparatus includes an inner shaft member 51 and an outer shaft member 52 constituting the telescopic shaft 5 in the meshing portion of the male spline portion 51a and the female spline portion 52a. In the state filled with the lubricant composition prepared in the example, the ends 51c of the inner shaft member 51 opposite to the side on which the male spline part 51a is provided are connected to each other via the torque meter 20. A torque load member that is connected to a drive shaft 21 that can reciprocate in the axial direction indicated by a solid arrow in the figure and that can rotate the outer shaft member 52 in a rotational direction about the central axis of the drive shaft 21 (see FIG. (Not shown).

前記試験装置のトルク負荷部材を、駆動軸21の中心軸を中心とする一方向に回転させることで、内軸部材51と外軸部材52の、雄スプライン部51aと雌スプライン部52aとの噛み合い部に、一定の捩りトルクを加えた状態を維持しながら、駆動軸21を軸方向に往復動させた際に、内軸部材51に加わるスライド荷重を、トルク計を用いて測定すると、図5に示す、内軸部材51の、軸方向のストローク量と、スライド荷重との関係を示すグラフを得ることができる。このグラフから、スライド荷重の、起動時の大きさL1、摺動時の大きさL2、および摺動時の波形を観察して、下記の各特性を評価した。なお、評価は、駆動軸21の往動時(図の横軸より上側)および復動時(横軸より下側)の両方について行った。 The torque load member of the test apparatus is rotated in one direction around the central axis of the drive shaft 21, so that the male spline portion 51a and the female spline portion 52a of the inner shaft member 51 and the outer shaft member 52 are engaged with each other. When a sliding load applied to the inner shaft member 51 is measured using a torque meter when the drive shaft 21 is reciprocated in the axial direction while maintaining a state in which a constant torsion torque is applied to the portion, FIG. The graph which shows the relationship between the stroke amount of the axial direction of the inner shaft member 51 shown in 3 and a slide load can be obtained. From this graph, the following characteristics were evaluated by observing the slide load magnitude L 1 at the start, the magnitude L 2 at the time of sliding, and the waveform at the time of sliding. The evaluation was performed both when the drive shaft 21 moved forward (above the horizontal axis in the figure) and during backward movement (below the horizontal axis).

スライド荷重(起動時):起動時のスライド荷重L1が325N以下のものを良好(○)、前記範囲を超えるものを不良(×)として評価した。
スライド荷重(摺動時):起動時のスライド荷重L1と、摺動時のスライド荷重L2との差ΔLが45N以下のものを良好(○)、前記範囲を超えるものを不良(×)として評価した。
Slide load (at start-up): A load with a slide load L 1 at start-up of 325 N or less was evaluated as good (◯), and a load exceeding the above range was evaluated as defective (×).
Sliding load (when sliding): Good when the difference ΔL between the sliding load L 1 at start-up and the sliding load L 2 at sliding is 45N or less (◯), and when the difference exceeds the above range is bad (×) As evaluated.

スティックスリップの有無:摺動時のスライド荷重の波形が、乱れのないスムースな推移を示したものをスティックスリップなし(○)、波形が乱れたものをスティックスリップあり(×)として評価した。
結果を表1に示す。
Presence / absence of stick-slip: The slide load waveform during sliding showed a smooth transition with no disturbance and was evaluated as no stick-slip (O), and the waveform with disturbance was evaluated as stick-slip (x).
The results are shown in Table 1.

Figure 2007238767
表より、40℃における動粘度が1500mm2/s未満である基油を用いた比較例1の潤滑剤組成物は、増ちょう剤としてPTFEを使用しているにもかかわらず、高荷重が加わった際に、スティックスリップが発生することがわかった。また、40℃における動粘度が13000mm2/sを超える基油を用いた比較例2の潤滑剤組成物は、起動時のスライド荷重L1が大きすぎることから、例えば、当該潤滑剤組成物を充てんした伸縮自在シャフトを中間軸としてコラム式EPSに組み込み、伸縮させて、ステアリングシャフトと舵取機構との間の距離を変化させながら、自動車に組み付ける際などには、その作業性が低下することが推測された。また、基油としては、40℃における動粘度が1500〜13000mm2/sの範囲内にあるものを使用しているものの、PTFE以外の増ちょう剤を使用した比較例3、4の潤滑剤組成物は、共に、高荷重が加わった際に、スティックスリップが発生することがわかった。
Figure 2007238767
From the table, the lubricant composition of Comparative Example 1 using a base oil having a kinematic viscosity at 40 ° C. of less than 1500 mm 2 / s is subjected to a high load despite using PTFE as a thickener. It was found that stick slip occurred when Further, the lubricant composition of Comparative Example 2 using a base oil having a kinematic viscosity at 40 ° C. exceeding 13000 mm 2 / s has a too large slide load L 1 at start-up. The workability of the filled telescopic shaft is reduced when it is assembled in a column-type EPS as an intermediate shaft, and is expanded and contracted to change the distance between the steering shaft and the steering mechanism while it is assembled in an automobile. Was guessed. In addition, as the base oil, the lubricant composition of Comparative Examples 3 and 4 using a thickener other than PTFE, although a kinematic viscosity at 40 ° C. is in the range of 1500 to 13000 mm 2 / s. It was found that stick slip occurred in both objects when a high load was applied.

これに対し、40℃における動粘度が1500〜13000mm2/sの範囲内にある基油を使用すると共に、増ちょう剤としてPTFEを使用した実施例1〜5の潤滑剤組成物は、いずれも、起動時および摺動時のスライド荷重が共に良好な範囲内にあることから、これらの潤滑剤組成物を充てんした伸縮自在シャフトを中間軸としてコラム式EPSに組み込み、伸縮させて、ステアリングシャフトと舵取機構との間の距離を変化させながら、自動車に組み付ける際などには、その作業性を向上できることがわかった。また、実施例1〜5の潤滑剤組成物は、いずれも、高荷重が加わってもスティックスリップが発生しないことも確認された。 In contrast, the lubricant compositions of Examples 1 to 5 using a base oil having a kinematic viscosity at 40 ° C. in the range of 1500 to 13000 mm 2 / s and using PTFE as a thickener are all used. Since the sliding load at the time of starting and sliding is within a favorable range, a telescopic shaft filled with these lubricant compositions is incorporated into the column-type EPS as an intermediate shaft, and is expanded and contracted. It was found that the workability can be improved when assembling to a car while changing the distance to the steering mechanism. Moreover, it was also confirmed that none of the lubricant compositions of Examples 1 to 5 produced stick slip even when a high load was applied.

本発明の、実施の形態の一例の伸縮自在シャフトを構成する内軸部材の、端部に設けた雄スプライン部を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the male spline part provided in the edge part of the inner shaft member which comprises the telescopic shaft of an example of embodiment of this invention. 上記外軸部材と共に伸縮自在シャフトを構成する外軸部材の、端部に設けた筒状の雌スプライン部の一部を切り欠いて示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which notches and shows a part of cylindrical female spline part provided in the edge part of the outer shaft member which comprises a telescopic shaft with the said outer shaft member. 本発明のステアリング装置の、実施の形態の一例としてのコラム式EPSの、概略構成図である。It is a schematic block diagram of column type EPS as an example of embodiment of the steering device of the present invention. 各実施例、比較例で調製した潤滑剤組成物の特性を評価するために用いた試験装置の概略を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the outline of the testing apparatus used in order to evaluate the characteristic of the lubricant composition prepared by each Example and the comparative example. 図4の試験装置を用いて測定される、内軸部材の、軸方向のストローク量と、スライド荷重との関係の一例を示すグラフである。It is a graph which shows an example of the relationship between the stroke amount of the axial direction of an inner shaft member, and a slide load measured using the test apparatus of FIG.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

1 コラム式EPC(ステアリング装置)
2 ステアリングホイール(操舵部材)
3 ステアリングシャフト
4、6 自在継手
5 伸縮自在シャフト(中間軸)
51 内軸部材
51a 雄スプライン部
52 外軸部材
52a 雌スプライン部
7 ピニオン軸
8 ラックバー
11 操向輪
A ラックアンドピニオン機構
1 Column type EPC (steering device)
2 Steering wheel (steering member)
3 Steering shaft 4, 6 Universal joint 5 Telescopic shaft (intermediate shaft)
51 Inner shaft member 51a Male spline portion 52 Outer shaft member 52a Female spline portion 7 Pinion shaft 8 Rack bar 11 Steering wheel A Rack and pinion mechanism

Claims (4)

軸方向に伸縮可能で、かつ軸を中心とする回転方向に一体回転可能に結合される一対の軸部材を備える伸縮自在シャフトの、両軸部材間を潤滑するための潤滑剤組成物であって、動粘度が1500〜13000mm2/s(40℃)である基油と、増ちょう剤としてのポリテトラフルオロエチレンとを含有することを特徴とする潤滑剤組成物。 A lubricant composition for lubricating between two shaft members of a telescopic shaft comprising a pair of shaft members that are extendable in the axial direction and coupled so as to be integrally rotatable in a rotation direction around the shaft. A lubricant composition comprising a base oil having a kinematic viscosity of 1500 to 13000 mm 2 / s (40 ° C.) and polytetrafluoroethylene as a thickener. ポリテトラフルオロエチレンの含有割合が20〜50重量%である請求項1記載の潤滑剤組成物。   The lubricant composition according to claim 1, wherein the content of polytetrafluoroethylene is 20 to 50% by weight. 軸方向に伸縮可能で、かつ軸を中心とする回転方向に一体回転可能に結合される一対の軸部材を備えると共に、両軸部材間が、請求項1記載の潤滑剤組成物で潤滑されることを特徴とする伸縮自在シャフト。   A pair of shaft members that are extendable in the axial direction and coupled so as to be integrally rotatable in a rotation direction around the shaft are provided, and the space between both the shaft members is lubricated with the lubricant composition according to claim 1. Telescopic shaft characterized by that. 操舵部材と、操舵部材に連結されるステアリングシャフトと、ステアリングシャフトに自在継手を介して連結される中間軸と、中間軸に自在継手を介して連結されるピニオン軸を含み、ピニオン軸の回転をラックバーの直線運動に変換して、操向輪を転舵させるラックアンドピニオン機構とを有するステアリング装置であって、中間軸として、請求項3記載の伸縮自在シャフトを組み込むことを特徴とするステアリング装置。   A steering member, a steering shaft connected to the steering member, an intermediate shaft connected to the steering shaft via a universal joint, and a pinion shaft connected to the intermediate shaft via a universal joint, and rotating the pinion shaft A steering apparatus having a rack and pinion mechanism for converting a linear motion of a rack bar to steer a steered wheel, wherein the telescopic shaft according to claim 3 is incorporated as an intermediate shaft. apparatus.
JP2006063178A 2006-03-08 2006-03-08 Steering device Expired - Fee Related JP5182541B2 (en)

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EP07004719.6A EP1840193B1 (en) 2006-03-08 2007-03-07 Lubricant composition, expandable shaft, and steering system using the same
US11/715,507 US7741256B2 (en) 2006-03-08 2007-03-08 Lubricant composition, expandable shaft, and steering system using the same

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US20070209863A1 (en) 2007-09-13
JP5182541B2 (en) 2013-04-17
EP1840193A2 (en) 2007-10-03

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